The Ivory Lady

Album Review

By Natasha Barbieri

“The Ivory Lady” from Dr. Finnuala Moynihan is family affair, with her siblings featuring on several tracks. The genuine love for the project is evident in the music. Although Finnuala has established herself as a force to be reckoned with regularly performing works by the classical masters, this album is more of a celebration of her roots.

The title track was penned by her brother Diarmaid Moynihan and is a lovely lyrical piece. Finnuala has a gentle touch that is soothing to the ear. “Lokrum Prince” is a romantic composition by Finnuala herself.  Although most of the album features traditional Irish instruments, this piece is all about the piano. Lush strings add to its beauty in certain passages but are not used overindulgently. This sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of an Anne of Green Gables type film. Beautiful.

The poignant “No Frontiers” is next and the inclusion of guitar makes it especially enjoyable. “Anach Cuan/Rosc Catha na Mumhan” begins quite solemnly but takes on a lighter tone towards the middle. The rolling piano brings to mind scenes of the sea. This is followed up with a real favorite, “The Parting Glass.” Her brother Donncha is once again on guitar and his playing truly is lovely.  They have a wonderful blend together.

“I mo Chroí go Deo” is another original from Finnuala this time a sentimental piece written for her parents. “Inisheer” features Finnuala’s father on the accordion and is a nice relaxing piece you can imagine yourself listening to while seated around the family hearth. “Cath Chéim an Fhia / The Butterfly” is next and it builds beautifully from the simple strains of the flute to pipes and of course piano!

“Mo Ghile Mear” is gorgeous and features piano only. Finnuala’s playing is delicate and filled with meaning. Fans of Celtic Woman would doubtless enjoy this heartfelt rendition. It is followed by “Ar Eirinn Ní Neosfainn Cé hÍ / Kings of Laois.” The final piece on the album is “Red is the Rose/Will You Go Lassie Go” with strains of ‘Loch Lomand’ in variation. The beloved Scottish melody is a good way to end the album.

In general “The Ivory Lady” is a very pleasant album. Finnuala is an accomplished pianist (it is well worth visiting her website to listen to her recordings) and this album gives her an opportunity to show off another facet of her talent. Her characterization is perfect for the Irish melodies and her strength as an arranger is also evident. The beauty of the album lies in its simplicity; it never overwhelms the listener and keeps the spirit of the pieces alive.

Recommended for: fans of Celtic Woman & the Piano Guys

Order your Copy Today: http://www.fionnualamoynihan.com/

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.